INTERNSHIPS WITH THE BDRI

An internship period with the BDRI offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in marine mammal’s research methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced bottlenose dolphin researchers. Undergraduate and postgraduate student research projects can also be supported with boat time and office space. Students can also present this personal research project as their thesis work (Bachelor, Master, Diploma, etc.).

Interns can expect to gain a solid foundation in cetaceans behavioural ecology and sociobiology with a focus on dolphins ethology, habitat use

and communication. BDRI offers interns the chance to work through the many steps of research. Your participation means that you will not only be observing the studied animals at sea, but you will also be collecting different types of scientific data, using various research methods, and helping on board the research vessel in general. Furthermore, as the Galician coastline is known for frequent strandings of various marine mammals species, you will be a part of an important network for rescue and data collection from these stranded animals. When back in the lab, you will participate in the transcription of the collected data, with the database work, you will use various softwares, perform photo-identification analysis, use of GIS and more.

Moreover, interns will also receive cross-training in different areas related with the strandings (Response, Rescue, Necropsy and data collection).

As an internship, you will be encouraged to work hard and gain an insight of what it is actually like to work as a marine mammal researcher. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation, willingness to work hard and interest in marine mammals research make the most qualified individuals. Our centre understands the importance of giving the participant the responsibilities and experience needed in order to give an insight and reflect the reality of a job within the field of marine mammal science.

The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, there is no compensation for the internship positions. There is an interships fee that includes the accommodation in an apartment, tuition and other expenses derived of your participation (housing, use of equipment, field trips by car, use of research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain).

Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 8 weeks continuous commitment sometime between February through to November. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10 minute presentation at the end of their internship. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, he/she will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions.

There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Positions are open until filled (maximum 8 vacancies). Prior field research experience is recommended but not required.

So, if you want to be a part of this unique experience and are a person who is interested in going abroad and obtaining hands-on experience in dolphins research, boat based field work, intensive training while having fun and meeting people from all over the world, then you should consider to participate in one of our programs.

The BDRI is a research institute dedicated to the understanding and conservation of cetaceans and the marine environment in which they live. The Institute's BDRI centre was originally founded in Sardinia, Italy in 2005. However, since 2014 we have opened a new facility in our original location in O Grove; on the shores of Arousa Firth, Southern Galicia in Spain. This transformation has considerably improved our ability to care for and study marine mammals, providing a collaborative work environment for staff, students and volunteers from all over the world. Our research programs have helped us to understand the threats facing the dolphins and to develop strategies to manage these threats. Any reproduction of the photographs, art, or other contents is prohibited without written permission.